THEOSISJohn Chrysostom
Through the act of sin, I find myself burdened. If this is the Lord's judgment, why must I endure it? It is for the people, for they have sinned. They have broken their agreements with Me and completely wandered into iniquity.
Jeremiah 5:11Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers
For the house of Israel, and the house of Juda have greatly transgressed against me, saith the Lord.
כִּי֩ בָג֨וֹד בָּגְד֜וּ בִּ֗י בֵּ֧ית יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל וּבֵ֥ית יְהוּדָ֖ה נְאֻם־יְהוָֽה׃
The Church Fathers on this verse
2 Church Fathers comment on this verse
Jerome of Stridon
Approach its walls and dismantle it, yet do not bring about total destruction. Uproot its battlements, as they are not ordained by the Lord. For through treachery, the house of Israel and the house of Judah have turned against me, declares the Lord. Concerning the nations previously mentioned, which the lion from the forest attacked, the wolf ravaged, and the leopard preyed upon in their cities, He commands them to ascend to the walls of Jerusalem and dismantle it, but not to render it completely desolate, so that a remnant may be preserved and someone might proclaim among the nations the magnificence of God; thus, He intertwines mercy with judgment.
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When He instructs to dismantle its battlements, He signifies the necessity of removing all the supports that were lost due to their own shortcomings, representing the betrayal of God by both the ten tribes and the two tribes. Let the Church take heed, for the walls and defenses of those who place their hope in the Lord and remain faithful will not face destruction; however, total ruin shall not ensue, thanks to the mercy of the Divine Judge, not on account of the worthiness of those who err.
Cross references
Passages read together with this verse.
- Jer 3:20But as a woman that despiseth her lover, so hath the house of Israel despised me, saith the Lord.
- Isa 48:8Thou hast neither heard, nor known, neither was thy ear opened of old. For I know that transgressing thou wilt transgress, and I have called thee a transgressor from the womb.
- Hos 6:7But they, like Adam, have transgressed the covenant, there have they dealt treacherously against me.
- Jer 3:6And the Lord said to me in the days of king Josias: Hast thou seen what rebellious Israel hath done? she hath gone of herself upon every high mountain, and under every green tree, and hath played the harlot there.
- Jer 3:11And the Lord said to me: The rebellious Israel hath justified her soul, in comparison of the treacherous Juda.
- Hos 5:7They have transgressed against the Lord: for they have begotten children that are strangers: now shall a month devour them with their portions.